Ham And Cheese Dinner
A hearty ham and cheese pasta dish featuring creamy mushroom gravy, sharp cheeses, and fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can mushroom gravy ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked ham, cut in strips ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimiento
- cooked noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook the chopped onion in butter until tender.
- Blend in the mushroom gravy, water, shredded Cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and dry sherry.
- Heat until the cheese melts, stirring often.
- Add cooked ham, chopped parsley, and chopped pimiento.
- Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over cooked noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked ham or substituting with turkey for a lighter option. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or chicken broth can work as a substitute. To enhance the dish, add garlic or mushrooms while cooking the onions. Make sure to stir constantly while melting the cheese to prevent it from clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of cooked noodles, which can be any type you prefer, such as egg noodles or fettuccine. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, try it alongside Pork Chops And Cabbage Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese smooth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Cheese Dinner contains roughly 379 calories, with 19g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1050mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar and Parmesan with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well to achieve a creamy texture in the sauce.
What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Egg noodles are a popular choice for this recipe due to their ability to hold the sauce well. However, you can also use wide pasta, like fettuccine, or even gluten-free noodles if preferred. Just cook them al dente for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Certainly! You can substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. Replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based products to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).